Lakewood Farmers Market Kicks Off June 29

The Lakewood Farmers Market is kicking off its 4th season on Saturday, June 29. The Lakewood Farmers Market began in 2010 as a grassroots resident initiative and has demonstrated commitment, not just to community, but to collaboration since. The neighborhood market will boast a healthy mix of hand-picked produce, artisanal foods and handmade goods from over 20 area vendors. Shoppers can purchase local farm fresh produce and products such as Ohio-raised meats, eggs, cheeses, honey, baked goods, pasta, spices, oils and soaps and lotions, plus one-of-a-kind handcrafted items.

Located in the heart of downtown Lakewood at City Center Plaza on Detroit Avenue between Cook and Warren, the market will be held each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 5. Truly a community health- and wealth-building initiative, the growing market continues to provide a venue for neighborhood residents to connect with hyper-local growers and home-based cottage industries, as well as encourages area business and organization involvement, reinforcing the market’s motto: “We’re Local, We’re Lakewood.” Supporters of the Lakewood Farmers Market include area businesses, the City of Lakewood and the Downtown Lakewood Business Alliance.  

Collaboration also continues to grow as Lakewood Alive partners with the Lakewood Farmers Market both as fiscal agent and partner in Market Connect, which will be operating the market this market season. Market Connect is a cooperative multi-community and multi-stakeholder direct marketing initiative that aggregates value-added products and distributes them directly to customers at the Lakewood, Kamm’s Corners, and Broadway Farmers Markets. The program adds popular unrepresented products from unavailable vendors ensuring that customers have a better and more regular product selection as well as provides on-site management and promotional support. For more information, please visit marketconnect.us!

The Lakewood Farmers Market provides a gathering place for neighbors to connect while fostering community health and wealth. Neighborhood markets support health by decreasing both the amount of fossil fuel needed for transport and the amount of chemical fertilizers or pesticides routinely applied. Plus, locally grown food’s short journey from farm to table means it is fresher, equating to increased nutrient content and decreased susceptibility to contamination. Sourcing food locally is beneficial for the regional economy as well because it lends support to family farmers, cottage industries, and area businesses. While the majority of money spent at chain grocery stores leaves Northeast Ohio, shopping at your neighborhood farmers market keeps dollars circulating within our region, building community wealth.